How can we work together for the good of society?

Question 1

Give an example of how individuals address the needs of society.

Answer 1

• Mdm Malligesvari volunteers as an instructor for the Age Well Everyday (AWE) programme, which promotes active ageing and healthy lifestyles for seniors to reduce the risk of dementia. She teaches senior citizens how to stay healthy, exercise and keep active through brain-stimulating activities.
• This ensures that the elderly know how to take care of themselves well, and stay engaged so that they can remain independent citizens who can still make a difference to society.

Question 2

Give an example of how community groups address the needs of society.

Answer 2

• RSVP Singapore engages seniors through volunteerism. For instance, the MyBuddy programme help recently discharged elderly patients cope well at home. Volunteers offer physical and moral support during regular house visits.
• This ensures that the elderly who are recovering from health conditions are well-supported, looked out for, as well as have regular check-ins to make sure that their recovery is smooth.

Question 3

Give an example of how government address the needs of society.

Answer 3

• The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) develop resources to help social services meet the needs of elderly. They have the Volunteer Management Toolkit 2.0 to share best practices in managing volunteers, and how they can effectively contribute to the causes
• This ensures that all volunteers are adequately equipped to work with groups like the elderly, and will be able to volunteer while managing all their responsibilities meaningfully.

Question 4

Give an example of how the citizens and government work together to influence decision-making in public affairs.

Answer 4

• Citizens’ Jury for the War on Diabetes was launched by the Ministry of Health in 2016, to help Singaporeans prevent and manage diabetes. Recommendations were made by Singaporeans, with one being the installation of water coolers in public areas to encourage drinking plain water rather than sweet drinks.
• The government managed to hear feedback from citizens, and introduced new initiatives to help the larger population achieve a healthier diet to curb the onset of diabetes.

Question 5

Give an example of individuals help strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging

Answer 5

• Citizens joined in the Between Two Homes project. More were aware of the needs in the community, finding ways to contribute as well. This included individuals who conducted weekly house visits to the elderly population, and conducting potluck parties
• This breeds a sense of attachment in helping to actively preserve and build community spirit amongst citizens. When individuals show care and take actions to help fellow citizens, they have a stronger sense of belonging and are more concerned about shaping the country’s future.

Question 6

Give an example of community groups help strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging

Answer 6

• In 2014, the government announced that Dakota Crescent, one of SG’s oldest estates, will be redeveloped , with residents relocating to a newer estate nearby. Mr Cai Yinzhou and Mr Jeremy Ho started a project called Between Two Homes. They produced a website to document the heritage and community of Dakota Crescent, as well as discussing redevelopment plans in schools.
• This helped citizens preserve the sense of community in the estate, helping them to ease in to a new place easier, as there are efforts to highlight the community spirit and heritage.

Question 7

Give an example of government help strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging

Answer 7

• Our Singapore Fund was launched by the government in 2016, supporting ground-up projects that build national identity or meet social / community needs. The successful applicants may receive up to 80% funding, up to $20000 per project. As of 2020, $4.3 million has been given to more than 240 projects, including Between Two Homes.
• This helps to support and encourage citizens to introduce initiatives for causes they may be interested in. Not only would they feel encouraged at being able to contribute, they can also engage more citizens in their projects building stronger sense of identity.